The Sitting Bull Falls Recreation Area features a beautiful 150-foot waterfall that cascades down the natural rock cliffs of a massive travertine bluff to a small receiving pool where swimming is possible. Behind the falls is a system of caves, which can be entered and explored, but only by appointment and in the company of a ranger guide. The falls were reportedly discovered by a group of cowboys in 1881 and named after the famous chieftain of the Dakota Sioux, who most likely never set foot here.
The area was developed for day use by Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. It is fully wheelchair accessible, with sidewalks, restrooms, picnic tables, rock cabanas, water fountains, trash bins, and a viewing deck for the waterfall. The hiking trails and water areas above and below Sitting Bull Falls can only be reached on foot.
A per-vehicle fee of $5 applies to the Recreation Area, which opens at 8:30am daily. Operating hours extend till 5pm from October 1 to March 31 and until 6pm the rest of the year. Please note that the entrance gate is locked 30 minutes prior to closing.
The Sitting Bull Falls Recreation Area is located in the Guadalupe Ranger District of Lincoln National Forest. It is 42 miles southwest of Carlsbad, New Mexico and can be reached by car via Highway 285 to Highway 137, and then on to Forest Road 276 / County Road 409. The falls are seven miles down this road; posted signs show the way. Pets on leashes are allowed.
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My memories of our adventure have been told and retold many times over the years. We never had the opportunity to revisit the park and I know there have been some major restorations done to the facilities; so I can't imagine ever being able to relive my experience, but thanks for the memories.
Ken Seaver
Ft Worth, TX